Long Bay is a cluster of beaches in the suburb of Torbay, on Auckland's north shore on the east coast. The beaches themselves are mostly low-quality straighthanders, so the pick is the reef at the southern end below Cliff Road, which breaks over a mix of rock ledge and sand. It's a below-average spot overall, but the reef is worth knowing about for the right day.
When It Works
The reef comes alive on those rare days of pumping northeast swell. It draws swell from north through east, with northeast (NE) the best match, and peels both left and right. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Conditions are somewhat inconsistent here, so it pays to wait for the setup to line up rather than expecting it often.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) offshore wind, which is exactly what those rare good days need alongside the northeast swell. It works on low and mid tide, and both rising and falling tides can be fine.
Local Tips
The reef is friendly enough for beginners. Expect a busy lineup when it turns on, as the locals are quick to jump on it whenever it happens.
Access
Park on Cliff Road and the reef is right out in front, with restrooms on hand. Getting there from Auckland, head north on the Auckland Northern Motorway (State Highway 1) over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, take exit 410, then turn right onto Oteha Valley Road. Continue onto Carlisle Road, turn left onto Beach Road, then right onto Rewi Street to reach Cliff Road.
